How much does a nanny cost in Canada?
Nanny rates in Canada
| Lowest cost | Average cost | Highest cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hour | $16.50 | $18.00 | $22.00 |
Factors That Impact Your Nanny's Rate
Firstly, let's start by talking about the things that directly impact the hourly rate set by a nanny. Understanding how much you'll be paying a nanny largely depends on several key factors.
Location
Where you live plays an enormous role in how much a nanny will cost and is one of the largest factors. If you're residing in high cost of living areas like New York City, or Los Angeles, be ready to budget a bit more than if you lived in a smaller, less expensive city or town.
Experience
Nannies with more years of experience or relevant education backing them tend to command higher rates. A seasoned nanny will likely charge a higher wage because of their experience and childcare skills.
Number of Children
This is often one of the first things a nanny will ask in the interview process, and rightly so. The more kids you need care for, the more work it is for the nanny and the higher they'll charge. Every nanny has their own way of factoring this in, so it's not quite as simple as taking the hourly wage and multiplying it by the number of children you have.
Duties and Responsibilities
Many families that choose to hire nannies oftentimes need help in areas other than childcare. Responsibilities like light housekeeping and cooking are pretty common from our experience. That being said, additional responsibilities typically lead to additional costs.
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Factors That Impact Your Costs
Aside from the nanny's hourly rate, other factors will impact your overall costs. We've categorized these as costs that come with hiring a nanny but aren't a huge part of how they set their hourly rate.
Hours and Schedule
Just like with a traditional office job, the hours worked per week is the biggest part of overall pay. But unlike a traditional nine-to-five, nanny schedules can vary from week to week depending on the needs of the family. We recommend both you and your nanny track worked hours to keep things humming smoothly.
Daily Activities
If you'd like your nanny to take the kids on outings, to lessons or clubs, remember to factor in these extra costs. Entry fees and transport costs can add up!
Taxes
As an employer, you'll be required to pay employment taxes. Be sure to consult with a tax professional to understand all the obligations. Need some more help? We've partnered with Canada's leading domestic payroll provider, HeartPayroll, to provide a seamless transition between finding, hiring, and paying your nanny.
Benefits, Perks, and Bonuses
Providing your nanny with vacation days, health insurance, allowances, and other benefits may increase your total costs. These additions also help keep your job competitive in cities with higher nanny demand. However, some of these things, like additional vacation days, may be able to be offered in exchange for a lower hourly rate.
Other Costs You Might Not Have Thought Of
There are a few sometimes overlooked costs that come with hiring a nanny.
Background Check
Ensuring the safety of your child is paramount. A thorough background check is advisable for any potential nanny, although it comes with a cost.
Finding a Nanny
Using a nanny agency or an online service can save you time, but will also be an added expense. Nonetheless, the peace of mind you get knowing you've hired a qualified professional may be worth it.
Certifications
Many families may choose to require their nanny to obtain certain certifications as part of the interview process which are typically reimbursed by the family upon hiring. These include certifications such as CPR and First Aid, Water-safety and age-specific courses (like Newborn Care).
Now that you have detailed insights into the costs associated with hiring a nanny, you're better equipped to make an informed decision. Be sure to maintain open and honest communication with potential nannies about compensation and expectations around duties and responsibilities. Remember, while it's necessary to manage your finances responsibly, the safety, happiness, and well-being of your children is the foremost priority!
